Several HSE staff member are understood to have been suspended from duty following allegations that illegal drugs were found in an ambulance.

Staff at the National Ambulance Service in the capital are believed to be suspended as the allegations are also being probed by Gardai.

At least two members of the service are believed to be the subject of the investigation.

Management of the ambulance service are believed to have reported the finding of illegal drugs to gardai.

Gardai confirmed that an investigation had started and that it was launched "after a number of matters" were reported by HSE management but didn't reveal any further details on the nature of the inquiry.

Gardai and the HSE have said that their investigations are ongoing.

A garda spokesman told the Irish Mirror: "A number of matters were reported by the management of the national ambulance service to Gardaí in Blanchardstown.